Maroon MEMO: Employee News (Mississippi State University)

Mississippi State students, faculty and staff kicked off the holiday season with the annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting. The exciting university tradition brings members of the MSU family together each November before final exams begin. Joining mascots Bully and Belle are, from left, Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success Ra'sheda Forbes; Miss MSU Sarah Randolph; Student Association President Carson McFatridge; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; MSU Hilell President Gabriella Arbesfeld; and Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt. PHOTO: Grace Cockrell | Public Affairs

Walker named director for pre-college programs
Tommy “T.J.” Walker is Mississippi State’s new director for pre-college and opportunity programs in the university’s Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, bringing with him the experience and commitment to expand higher education. “The work we do directly supports the division’s mission and aligns with the university’s strategic vision,” Walker said. “Our focus on fostering positive outcomes for young people as they grow, develop and transition into skilled global citizens is critical not only to their success but to the prosperity of our local communities, our nation and the world.” Vice President for Access, Opportunity and Success Ra’Sheda Forbes said, “I am excited to have Dr. Walker lead in this pivotal role in enriching experiences for pre-college students and creating a bridge to higher education.”

Patrick recognized for mass spectrometry advances as ‘Emerging Investigator’
Amanda Patrick, an assistant professor in Mississippi State University’s Department of Chemistry, is one of only 19 early career scientists globally to be named an “Emerging Investigator” by the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. Patrick joins a distinguished group of researchers making significant contributions to the advancement of mass spectrometry, which is an analytical technique for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. This recent honor builds on Patrick’s significant successes in the field of mass spectrometry. Last year, she received a $540,737 grant from the National Science Foundation, awarded through its Major Research Instrumentation Program, Chemistry Research Instrumentation Program and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

Pricope brings expertise to global forum on land health, resilience
Farmers in Mississippi and across the globe face critical challenges in land degradation and drought resilience, and Mississippi State University’s Narcissa Pricope will join other experts in land systems science in Saudi Arabia for discussions on solutions to these issues. On Dec. 2-13, the MSU associate vice president for research and economic development will participate in the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification Conference of the Parties, or COP16. The COP is the main decision-making body of UNCCD’s 197 Parties -- 196 countries and the European Union. During the UNCCD COP “Our Land, Our Future” event, she will participate in high-level science policy leadership talks with heads of state and environmental resilience decision makers, while also coordinating a series of events during the inaugural global Science, Technology and Innovation Day.

MSU, UM partner for accelerated law degree program
Mississippi State students who aspire to become attorneys now have a new accelerated pathway into the legal profession thanks to a new university partnership with the University of Mississippi. Mississippi State and UM’s School of Law formally signed an agreement in November allowing qualified MSU students to enter UM’s Juris Doctor program before fully completing an MSU bachelor’s degree, accelerating the total length of undergraduate studies plus law school by one full year. MSU President Mark E. Keenum and UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce signed the Memorandum of Understanding along with MSU Executive Vice President David Shaw, UM Provost Noel Wilkin, UM School of Law Dean Frederick G. Slabach, and UM School of Law Assistant Dean Joseph Tucker.

MSU, Brazilian university sign MOU for new collaboration on programs, research, study abroad
Mississippi State University is beginning an international education collaboration with Brazil’s Universidade de Rio Verde after the signing of a joint agreement last month. MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David Shaw and UniRV President Alberto Barella Netto penned their signatures on a memorandum of understanding, officially acknowledging the academic alliance between the two institutions, on Nov. 19. “We’ve made a strong commitment through our strategic plan to develop partnerships for new academic offerings and experiential learning experiences for our students, and this relationship helps us in realizing these goals,” Shaw said. The agreement also includes an expansion of programs for faculty, staff and student researchers, opening even more doors to collaborative efforts in solving not only local, but global challenges.”

MSU recognized as 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
Mississippi State University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The initiative recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. “Mississippi State is proud to be included in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge,” MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said. “As an institution that values student engagement and active citizenship, we are encouraged by the ways in which our students proactively engaged in voter registration efforts this election season. We are equally as proud for the meaningful dialogue between students and student organizations that helped them be informed about the candidates and the candidates’ positions on the issues.”

Application window open for university teaching awards
Mississippi State is accepting applications for the 2025 Grisham Master Teacher, Donald Zacharias Early Career Undergraduate Teaching Excellence and the Alumni Association Graduate and/or Professional Teaching Excellence awards. Visit www.provost.msstate.edu/announcements/2024/09/university-teaching-awards for more information and to download documents associated with the submission process. Interested faculty must submit an electronic application in PDF form to the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President via email to grishamaward@provost.msstate.edu by Oct. 27 if their teaching can only be observed in the fall 2024 semester or by Jan. 5 if their teaching can be observed in the spring 2025 semester. All current full-time faculty members at MSU with the required years of service, regardless of rank, are eligible to apply for these awards. Late applications will not be accepted.

Free learning opportunities via LinkedIn Learning available to faculty, staff and students
Sharpen skills. Explore new interests. Increase professional value. These and other results are now available via no-cost learning opportunities to Mississippi State faculty, staff and students through MSU’s new agreement with LinkedIn Learning. A popular, online education platform, LinkedIn Learning’s 20,000-plus courses are available to campus via a quick login using their MSU NetID email addresses. With self-paced learning, courses are presented in various formats, including bite-sized video, audio only and in-depth content. The platform is directly integrated with Canvas, the university’s learning management system. MSU faculty can use it to supplement course material or even develop and load their own content onto the platform.

Website provides support, resources for free speech
Mississippi State has launched a new website dedicated to supporting and promoting freedom of speech and expression within our university. You can access the website at www.freespeech.msstate.edu. This platform has been created to provide accessible resources and guidance to foster a campus environment where open dialogue, respectful debate and diverse perspectives can thrive. All members of the MSU community -- students, faculty and staff -- are encouraged to explore this site and take advantage of the materials and opportunities it offers. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of free speech principles, enhance your ability to engage in thoughtful dialogue or learn more about your rights and responsibilities, this resource is here to support you.

Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.

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Significant state-level investments support continued workforce development, research initiatives
Mississippi State is the recipient of a combined $9.5 million that will allow the Magnolia State’s leading land-grant institution to continue playing an influential role in Mississippi’s economic future by creating innovative technologies, better jobs and skilled workers. “As Mississippi’s leading research university, MSU is grateful to Gov. Tate Reeves for his confidence in our institution’s demonstrated ability to build and advance Mississippi’s economy through these impressive projects,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “We see our role in providing impactful research that helps create more and better jobs for Mississippians as part of our core land-grant university mission. These vital funds reinforce that mission.”

College of Veterinary Medicine expands clinical facilities, establishes Center for Rural Veterinary Practice
Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine is expanding clinical facilities to keep the Magnolia State at the forefront of excellence in animal care, as it also establishes the Center for Rural Veterinary Practice to address the shortage of veterinary services in Mississippi and throughout rural America. Keith Coble, vice president for MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said plans include a new cattle handling facility and farm animal hospital, a renovated equine hospital, as well as an expanded small animal hospital wing. He emphasized the Center for Rural Veterinary Practice is already engaged and investing in individuals and rural communities across Mississippi and beyond. CVM Dean Nicholas Frank said, “We greatly appreciate the commitment that the state of Mississippi has made to veterinary medicine by funding Phases 1 and 2 of our four-phase initiative to improve and expand clinical facilities at the MSU CVM."

Butler Hall renovations enhance computer science facilities for students and faculty
Mississippi State’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering marked the completion of a transformative renovation project at Butler Hall with a recent ribbon cutting ceremony. After two years of extensive work, the revamped facilities now offer enhanced labs, modernized classrooms and improved amenities -- benefiting students, faculty and staff with an updated learning environment and more efficient space. “These improvements are about more than just modernizing our facilities -- they are a commitment to our students’ success,” said Department Head Shahram Rahimi. Rahimi extended thanks to all who contributed to the Butler Hall improvements, with special appreciation for MSU President Mark E. Keenum, whose leadership and support were instrumental in making this project a reality.

Veteran broadcast journalist Self joining College of Business as outreach and engagement director
A pillar of Golden Triangle broadcast journalism is signing off the airwaves in December and joining Mississippi State’s College of Business in the new year. Aundrea Self, whose 26-year career at the Columbus-based WCBI-TV included stints as a reporter, anchor, producer and host, is the college’s new director of outreach and engagement beginning Jan. 2. In her new role, Self will spearhead outreach initiatives and identify clients for the Master of Business Administration program, while also leading the college’s alumni engagement efforts. “We are thrilled to welcome Aundrea to the College of Business team,” said Scott Grawe, College of Business dean. “Her skills and experience will help us continue to spotlight our research and expertise throughout the business community and identify new opportunities to support lifelong learning throughout Mississippi and the nation.”